MINUTES OF KNOWLTON TOWNSHIP WARREN COUNTY, NEW JERSEY February 13, 2017

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1 MINUTES OF KNOWLTON TOWNSHIP WARREN COUNTY, NEW JERSEY February 13, 2017 The monthly meeting of the Knowlton Township Committee was held on this date at the Municipal Building, 628 Route 94, Columbia, New Jersey. This meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Starrs. Mayor Starrs led the public in the pledge of allegiance. The Mayor read the following statement in compliance with the "Open Public Meetings Act": In accordance with Chapter 231 of the Public Laws of 1975, notice of this meeting was given by way of publication with the Star Gazette and/or the Express-Times, filed in the Municipal Clerk's Office and posted in the Knowlton Municipal Building. Roll Call Present: Deputy Mayor Cuntala, Committeeman Farber, Committeewoman Shipps, and Mayor Starrs Committeeman Van Horn was absent Also present was Township Engineer Ted Rodman and Township Attorney Dick Cushing John Mooney from Nisivoccia came in and thanked the Committee for the opportunity to be the Auditor for the 2017 budget year. Kermit Gorr from St. Luke s and David Neal from Knowlton Fire & Rescue came to give the committee an update on the progress and how well the ambulance coverage provided by St. Luke s is going. EXECUTIVE SESSION Motion to go into Closed Session: Mayor Starrs. Seconded by Deputy Mayor Cuntala and carried at 7:05. Resolution WHEREAS, Section 8 of the Open Public Meeting Act, Chapter 231, P.L.1975 permits the exclusion of the public from a meeting under certain circumstances; and WHEREAS, this public body is of the opinion that such circumstances presently exist. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the Township of Knowlton, in the County of Warren and State of New Jersey as follows: 1. The public shall be excluded from that portion of this meeting 2. The general nature of the subject matter to be discussed is as follows: A. Personnel B. Litigation Motion was made by Mayor Starrs, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Cuntala and carried to come out of Closed Session at 8:05 p.m. and return to Regular Session. PUBLIC COMMENT Rene Mathez asked for an update on COAH. Attorney Cushing explained that it is moving along, it is still in litigation. The next step is a Fairness Hearing which should be some time in April. DEPARTMENT REPORTS Mike Mulligan and Bob Peterson from Fire & Rescue Fire & Rescue is looking to purchase a Command Vehicle for the Chief, which they plan on financing themselves. They are asking the Township to purchase radios for the vehicle. They are still in the process of selling the ambulance. 1 P a g e

2 Ted Rodman, Engineer Still working on salt shed. A grant application has been submitted for the repaving of Kill/Stations Rd. There is a resolution authorizing this to be passed later on in the meeting. Committeeman Farber asked about putting a catch basin in on Kill Rd. Mr. Rodman explained that the DPW can do that before the road is paved. Mr. Rodman did some research regarding what is permitted regarding the truck stops along Route 46. Mayor Starrs and Mr. Rodman will set up a meeting with Zoning Officer Joe Rossi to discuss this matter in detail. JCP&L needs a copy of the resolution in order to cut service for the blinking light on 46 near the fire station. Trooper Tom Van Tassel Trooper Van Tassel will be trying to come to more meetings to hear from residents regarding any complaints and things to look for in the township. The committee bought to his attention the speeding on Washington & Decatur Streets, the trespassing on the viaduct, and also asked him to enforce the permit parking on Station Rd. RESOLUTIONS Contracting for Professional Services Without Competitive Bidding in Accordance with the Local Public Contracts Law (N.J.S.A.40A-11.1, Et Seq.) WHEREAS, the Mayor and Township Committee of the Township of Knowlton are desirous of attaining professional services for the betterment of the Township of Knowlton; and, WHEREAS, there exists a need for appraisal of Block 61, Lots 10, 22 & 43 WHEREAS, the Local Public Contracts Law (N.J.S.A. 40A:11-1 et seq.) requires that the resolution authorizing the awarding of contracts and appointments for professional services without competitive bidding must be publicly advertised: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Knowlton, Warren County, New Jersey, that the services of Joshua D. Mackoff, LLC be retained at a cost of $2, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution and contract is available for public inspection in the office of the Municipal Clerk and that this resolution be published in the official newspaper as required by law. Motion was made by Committeeman Farber seconded by Mayor Starrs and carried to approve by roll call vote Cuntala-- yes, Farber -- yes, Shipps--yes, Van Horn-- absent, Starrs--yes Resolution Contracting for Professional Services Without Competitive Bidding in Accordance with the Local Public Contracts Law (N.J.S.A.40A-11.1, Et Seq.) WHEREAS, the Mayor and Township Committee of the Township of Knowlton are desirous of attaining professional services for the betterment of the Township of Knowlton; and WHEREAS, there exists a need for appraisal of Block 61, Lots 10, 22 & 43; and WHEREAS, the Local Public Contracts Law (N.J.S.A. 40A:11-1 et seq.) requires that the resolution authorizing the awarding of contracts and appointments for professional services without competitive bidding must be 2 P a g e

3 publicly advertised. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Knowlton, Warren County, New Jersey, that the services of Norman J. Goldberg, INC. be retained at a cost of $2, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution and contract is available for public inspection in the office of the Municipal Clerk and that this resolution be published in the official newspaper as required by law. Motion was made by Committeeman Farber seconded by Deputy Mayor Cuntala and carried to approve by roll call vote Cuntala-- yes, Farber--yes, Shipps--yes, Van Horn--absent, Starrs--yes Resolution Approval to Submit a Grant Application and Execute a Grant Contract with the New Jersey Department of Transportation for the Overlay of Kill/Station Road Project WHEREAS, the Township Engineer has prepared an electronic grant identified as MA-2017-Overlay of Kill/Station Road for submission to the Department of Transportation; and WHEREAS, this grant does not require any matching funds from the Township of Knowlton. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Knowlton, Warren County, New Jersey, formally approves the grant application for the above stated project. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized to submit the electronic grant application and sign the grant agreement on behalf of Knowlton and that their signature constitutes acceptance of the terms and conditions of the grant agreement and approves the execution of the grant agreement. Motion was made by Deputy Mayor Cuntala seconded by Committeewoman Shipps and carried to approve Cuntala-yes, Farber- abstain, Shipps-yes, Van Horn-absent, Starrs-yes Resolution Resolution of Support (Concurrence) to Promulgate the Required Traffic Regulation Order WHEREAS, the NJ Department of Transportation ( NJDOT ) has determined that the centerline road markings on Washington Street are white and not in compliance with current design standards; and WHEREAS, Section 3B.01 of the NJDOT s current edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices requires these markings to be yellow in color; and WHEREAS, yellow centerline road markings on Washington Street constitute a No Passing Zone; and WHEREAS, the NJ Department of Transportation requires a Resolution of Support in order to promulgate the required Traffic Regulation Order establishing the No Passing Zone pursuant to N.J.S.A 39:4-84c from the Township of Knowlton; and WHEREAS, the Knowlton Township Committee has reviewed the request and recommends the establishment of the No Passing Zone along Washington Street. NOW, THEREFORE IT BE RESOLVED that the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Knowlton, County of Warren State of New Jersey, concur with the New Jersey Department of Transportation s recommendation(s) to establish a No Passing Zone along Washington Street, to be marked with yellow centerline markings. 3 P a g e

4 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Township of Knowlton concurs that any approved Resolution in conflict with or inconsistent with the provision of this Resolution be rescinded upon approval of the Traffic Regulation order. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect upon approval of the NJDOT commissioner. Motion was made by Deputy Mayor Cuntala seconded by Mayor Starrs and carried to approve: Van Horn absent, Cuntala yes, Farber yes, Shipps yes, Starrs yes Resolution Authorizing the Distribution of Leftover Township Wood WHEREAS, the Township of Knowlton recently authorized Treesmith Enterprises Inc. to cut down trees on municipal property; and WHEREAS, several Knowlton residents have contacted members of the Committee and the Township municipal offices expressing a desire to take possession of the leftover wood; and WHEREAS, the leftover wood has no practical use or monetary value to the Township of Knowlton; and WHEREAS, the Township wishes to accommodate these requests in as fair and equitable manner as possible. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Committee authorizes the Township Clerk to notify residents who have inquired and to allow those Knowlton residents to pick up the leftover wood located next to the Knowlton Municipal Building parking lot on a first come, first served basis during business hours beginning on February 15, 2017, and continuing until all the wood has been removed. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the wood shall be made available only to those who sign a waiver absolving the Township of Knowlton of liability in connection with the wood. Motion was made by Deputy Mayor Cuntala seconded Committeeman Farber and carried to approve: Van Horn-- absent, Cuntala--yes, Farber--yes, Shipps--yes, Starrs yes resolution Authorizing Execution of an Agreement with the Morris County Cooperative Pricing Council to Renew Membership Therein for the Period of October 1, 2016 through September 30, 2021 WHEREAS, the Morris County Cooperative Pricing Council ( MCCPC ) was created in 1974 to conduct a voluntary cooperative pricing system with municipalities, boards of educations, and other public bodies located in the County of Morris and adjoining counties; and WHEREAS, the purpose of the MCCPC is to provide substantial savings on various goods and services to its members through the cooperative public bidding process; and WHEREAS, Knowlton Township desires to enter into an Agreement with the MCCPC, which is administered by Randolph Township as Lead Agency, to renew its membership in the MCCPC for the period of October 1, 2016 through September 20, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Knowlton Township Committee County of Warren, State of New Jersey as follows: 1. The Township Committee of Knowlton hereby authorizes the execution of an Agreement with the Morris County Cooperative Pricing Council with the Township of Randolph as Lead Agency dated October 1, 2016 pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-11(5). Said Agreement is for renewal of membership in the MCCPC for a 4 P a g e

5 five (5) year period from October 1, 2016 through September 30, The Knowlton Township Clerk is hereby directed to submit a copy of this adopted Resolution, along with an executed Agreement, to Randolph Township as Lead Agency of the MCCPC. 3. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon final passage according to law. 4. All appropriate Knowlton Township officials are authorized and directed to perform all required acts to affect the purpose of this Resolution. Motion was made by Deputy Mayor Cuntala seconded by Committeeman Farber and carried to approve by roll call vote: Van Horn--absent, Cuntala--yes, Farber--yes, Shipps--yes, Starrs yes Resolution Resolution Approving Payment of Vouchers BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Knowlton, Warren County, New Jersey, that all claims attached are hereby approved as reasonable and proper claims against the Township of Knowlton. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that approval for payment is hereby given to the Chief Financial Officer to pay said claims, subject to the availability of funds. Motion was made by Mayor Starrs seconded by Deputy Mayor Cuntala and carried to approve by roll call vote Cuntala -- yes, Farber--yes, Shipps--yes, Van Horn--absent, Starrs-- yes Resolution Resolution Approving Non Compensated Appointments WHEREAS, it is necessary to appoint various persons to fill various positions on boards, committees and commissions and officers of the Township of Knowlton, as required by the various ordinances adopted in connection therewith: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Knowlton, Warren County, New Jersey, on the Thirteenth day of February, 2017 that the following persons be appointed for terms as set forth: Environmental Committee Membership Jaime Murray -3rd year of 3-year term, Chair Nancy O Neill- 1st year of 3-year term Sue Lachenmeyer- 1st year of 3-year term Kim Schad - 1st year of 2-year term Gena Lou Dinkledine-Werner- 2nd year of 2-year term Rene Mathez- 1-year term Tammy Scully- 1-year term Adele Starrs- Alternate, planning board member Pam Rusweiler-Alternate Motion was made by Committeeman Farber seconded by Deputy Mayor Cuntala and carried to approve Cuntala-- yes, Farber--yes, Shipps--yes, Van Horn-- absent, Starrs--yes Resolution OLD BUSINESS 5 P a g e

6 Columbia Dam Mayor Starrs asked Attorney Cushing regarding filing an injunction against the DEP, which was raised by Committeeman Van Horn at the last meeting. Attorney Cushing did not recommend it. 622 Route 94 Committeeman Farber talked to the committee about renting the house next door but using a third party to manage it. He thought that Rich Tillman with Remax does it for Hope Township. Committeeman Farber will invite Mr. Tillman or an associate to speak with the committee. Wastewater Engineer Motion was made by Committeeman Farber seconded by Deputy Mayor Cuntala and carried by roll call vote Cuntala-yes, Farber-yes, Shipps-abstain, Van Horn-absent, Starrs -yes, to hire Van Cleef as the Wastewater Engineer at a maximum cost of $12,500. The cost is paid by the businesses that use the plant. Committeewoman Shipps abstained from voting. NEW BUSINESS Dog Licenses Attorney Cushing stated that there is no statutory requirement to notify residents regarding their dog licenses being due. It is a state statute that residents are to license their dogs annually. The Township has not pursued collecting fines for those who didn t license their dogs on time. The Committee agreed to change this policy. Motion was made by Committeewoman Shipps, seconded by Committeeman Farber, and carried to approve late notices being sent to residents. Bridge Lane Property A resident is interested in purchasing two parcels owned by the Township on Bridge Lane. Committee agreed to have the resident put an offer in writing. Committeewoman Shipps agreed to be the contact person on this matter. Municipal Building Flag Pole Mayor Starrs is going to ask Treesmith if they can use one of their trucks to help thread a new cord on the municipal flag pole. If not Bob Peterson will reach out to either Belvidere or Blairstown Hose Company to help out. CORRESPONDENCE Mayor Starrs received an from Paul Ritter regarding two incidents where the Board of Adjustment (BOA) did not have a quorum to hear his case. Mayor Starrs will request an attendance record for the past two years and get back to the committee. The number of alternates on the BOA could be increased from two to four members if it would help create a quorum. NJDOT has concluded there is no need to do a speed survey on Washington St. NJDOT suggested putting in speed humps. A problem statement would need to be completed before this could be implemented. Mayor Starrs will follow up. APPROVAL OF MINUTES January 26, 2017 Public Meeting Minutes Motion was made by Deputy Mayor Cuntala, seconded by Committeewoman Shipps, and carried to approve January 26, 2017 Public Meeting Minutes. Committeeman Farber abstained from voting. PUBLIC COMMENTS A resident asked what was the address for the website. Resident Vince Gaeta asked what is the difference between a truck stop and a fueling station? Mayor Starrs replied that she has the definition from Knowlton s ordinances with her and will give it to him at the end of the 6 P a g e

7 meeting. ADJOURNMENT Motion was made by Deputy Mayor Cuntala, seconded by Committeeman Farber, and carried to adjourn tonight s Township meeting at 10:02 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kristin Shipps Acting Municipal Clerk 7 P a g e